Pac-12 Basketball: 5 more programs the conference could consider poaching

Memphis Tigers

The Memphis Tigers have a case of being the best college basketball program not attahed to a major conference. If they aren't careful, it could stay that way, much to their detriment.

Penny Hardaway's squad is stuck in the American Athletic Conference, seemingly by choice. But as the rest of the prestigious programs in mid-majors flock to greener pastures, the Tigers seem content to keep waling to their own beat.

The AAC is faltering behind them. While once a high-level mid-major, the AAC is looking less impressive by the day. With Houston and Cincinnati among those who've departed in recent years, the best of the rest seem to be a mix of Tulane, Temple, UAB, Wichita State and Florida Atlantic (post-Dusty May). That's not a very enticing group.

Memphis already missed the boat on the Big 12, which has emerged as the best basketball conference. A move to the Big East would leave the football program stranded. And the ACC perhaps awaits, but the situation of that conference largely lacks certainty.

As the Pac-12 builds up, its basketball pedigree is looking decent. San Diego State and Colorado State, in particular, are real players in the sport, not to mention Gonzaga.

The geography doesn't make sense, but that's the reality of college athletics today. Memphis and the Pac-12 could mutually benefit from joining forces.